MK1 front-end swop onto an MK2?

[jpo]

Is it possible to swop the front-end of an MK1 onto an MK2?

I like the MK1 front-end however the MK2 is the first one that I can see that comes with twin airbags which to me are essential; hence my enquiry!

[Stig]

The valances/front panel would need lots of fabrication/modification i'd say as the pop up mechanism needs installing both sides.
Its possible I guess, but the car would look uber messy with a mk1 front end and mk2 styling at the back - don't think it would work for me but thats just me.

[jpo]

I'm guessing an MK2.5 front-end's an easy swop onto the MK2?

[Stig]

probably

[Pete JB]

I'd have to agree with the Stig here, there is a lovely flowing line that runs the line of the Mk2, it would just look all wrong with a MK1 front end.

JPO have you already bought a MK1? if not just go for a MK2, there are plenty older models out there at cheap money (like mine)
Pete

[jpo]

No yet no, doing my research at the moment. Trying to see if there's anything I'll have to compromise on etc. It's looking like it'll be a MK2 or 2.5 though because none of the MK1s have airbags.

Have you a link to yours?

[Steve]

"because none of the MK1s have airbags."

Mark 1 1.8iS came with airbags...

[leamyj]

"because none of the MK1s have airbags."

Mark 1 1.8iS came with airbags...

I stand corrected

John

[franksm]

"because none of the MK1s have airbags."

Mark 1 1.8iS came with airbags...

what's that in Eunos terms ?

[Steve]

http://ox.mx5oc.co.uk/guide_eunos.htm

The last '97 one?

[jpo]

Were they a limited run? Are they hard to find?

All I found in terms of MK1s with airbags was this one & it's only got the driver's side one:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/MX-5 ... annel=CARS

[franksm]

Just that the 1.8iS is also the UK version - it did have air bags.

There were only three UK options:

1.6 (no PS, no airbags)
1.8 (no PS, no airbags, but with full chassis struts/kit)
1.8iS (every option ticked incl. the airbags)

[Pete JB]

Sorry JPO, I didn't mean mine was for sale, just that I have a cheap MK2. Alough I would part with it for a gazillion pounds.

[jpo]

Ahh ok, thanks folks! Only issue I have with a non-Irish/Jap spec MX5 is the rust issue, I've been dealing with UK imports for so long now the last thing I want to do is start the rust treatment game all over again!

Were there any Irish or Jap versions that had the same?